Chinese Cabbage Balls Appetizer Food

ASIAN PICKLED CABBAGE RESTAURANT APPETIZER

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, hand-rip the cabbage into large pieces (about 3" x 3" pieces)--they will shrink after pickling. Add in the cut carrots and ¼ cup salt. Use your hands to thoroughly and evenly distribute the salt with the vegetables. Top the vegetables with a heavy object (I used a baking dish with a large, heavy mortar and pestle on top, but you could use foil-wrapped bricks or any other heavy objects), and marinate for an hour in the refrigerator. This process removes excess liquid and makes the vegetables crunchy, but don't marinate for too long or the cabbage will be too salty.
• Next, add the water and sugar (here is where you would add the optional bay leaves and Sichuan peppercorns I mentioned) in a small pot. Bring to boil, and turn off the heat. Stir in the vinegar and ½ teaspoon salt. Let the liquid cool completely. It's a good time to taste the liquid with a clean spoon to make sure you like the levels of sweet and sour, and adjust accordingly. Please use a clean spoon every time you dip into the brine.
• Once the cabbage and carrots are marinated, wash them 2 to 3 times to get rid of the salt. Drain and squeeze out any extra liquid by hand or with a clean dish towel before putting the cabbage and carrots in a clean glass or ceramic container.
• Mix in the smashed (or chopped) garlic and whole (or chopped) fresh chili peppers. Pour the cooled vinegar/sugar brine over the vegetables and ensure the vegetables are completely submerged. Cover and store in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving chilled or at room temperature. If you have any leftovers, leave them stored in the pickling liquid and use clean utensil each time.

CHINESE CABBAGE BALLS APPETIZER

Steps:

• Put separated cabbage leaves in boiling water and parboil for 1 1/2 minutes.
• Remove and drain.
• Cut off the thick part of stem and discard.
• Slice leaves in half lengthwise and set aside.
• Place the meat into a mixing bowl and add 1 tablespoon of wine or cream sherry, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons chopped scallions, 1 teaspoon chopped or ground ginger root, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, and 3 tablespoons water.
• Mix thoroughly until this filling is completely blended and smooth.
• Lay out the saved halves of the cabbage leaves.
• Lightly sprinkle cornstarch onto the leaves and place a tablespoon or less of the meat filling at the end of each leaf then rolling to enclose the balls.
• Place water in the bottom part of a steamer and place the stuffed cabbage balls in the top part of the steamer.
• Steam over medium heat for 10 minutes.
• While the balls are steaming, place 1 cup chicken broth or stock, 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cream sherry, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a dash of pepper into a sauce pot and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium& add 2 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, stirring until it thickens.
• Place the cabbage balls onto a serving platter and pour the thickened sauce over the balls.
• Place a wooden toothpick into each ball and serve.

ASIAN PORK MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Make the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cabbage and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes. Transfer the cabbage to a plate to cool. Wipe out the pan, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and the mushrooms. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to the plate with the cabbage to cool.
• Lightly beat the eggs and egg white in a large bowl. Add the pork, scallions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar and cornstarch. Add the cabbage, mushrooms and a few grinds of pepper and mix with your hands until just combined (do not overmix). Dampen your hands and shape the meat mixture into 18 balls (about 2 inches each); arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
• Make the sauce: Mix the hoisin sauce, Sriracha, vinegar, sugar and 1 tablespoon water in a bowl; set aside 1/2 cup for serving. Brush the meatballs with the remaining sauce and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Bake until cooked through, 18 to 22 minutes. Serve in lettuce leaves with the reserved sauce.

LION'S HEAD MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Pour boiling water over shiitake mushrooms, and let sit until soft enough to slice, about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, combine chestnuts and tofu in a large bowl. Add ground pork, green onions, garlic, and ginger. Pour in rice wine, soy sauce, salt, cayenne, brown sugar, and egg. Dust with cornstarch. Mix with a clean hand until thoroughly combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Form mixture into 6 large meatballs with wet hands.
• Set an oven rack about 8 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and oil lightly. Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
• Broil in the preheated oven until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool while prepping the pot.
• Trim off the bottom of the head of cabbage and slice 1/2 of the head. Arrange sliced cabbage on the bottom of a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Arrange the remaining leaves on the top. Slice and scatter the mushrooms on top of the cabbage; reserve shiitake liquid. Nestle the meatballs into the cabbage leaves and pour juices over.
• Strain reserved shiitake liquid into a bowl. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, sherry, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk until dissolved. Add to the pot, pouring over each meatball. Bring to a boil over high heat.
• Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Uncover and raise heat to medium-high. Continue cooking, basting the meatballs often, until liquid reduces slightly and meatballs are no longer pink in the centers, about 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning.
• Ladle into serving bowls and arrange cabbage over the meatballs. Top with green onions and chili oil.